Multiple circuit control switch



1961 c. A. COBB ETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH Fileu July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 La a121271- 5 C/lrlozz A. Cobb James 1. WZ/[lams Aug. 22, 1961 c. A. COBBETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH Filed July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 t:L94 MEET-E C/L/fon A. Cobb James T Williams b 1 5:12 75 Aug. 22, 1961 c.A. COBB HAL MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH 4 SheetsSheet 3 Filea July2, 1957 25 Elba-'5 C/Z/zon A Cobb c/Zmzes T WL/liams 1961 c. A. COBBETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL swrrcu Filed July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mi204; 262' 514 a BLANKETS smrnsncs DELICATE m B FABRICS HOT FILL LIL/"EZZZUT'E C/L/zazz A. Cobb (fa/2265 T [MY/M1175 I: 1 7 WA ;%W; M 5:12 75United States Patent 2,997,554 y I MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCHClifton A. Cobb, St. Joseph, and James T. Williams,

Stevensville, Mich., assignors to Whirlpool Corporation, St. Joseph,Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 2, 1957, Ser. No. 669,685 12Claims. (Cl. 200-38) The present invention relates to improvements inmethods and apparatus for laundering, and more specifically to animproved presettable sequential automatic time control device forselecting and automatically controlling the performance of operationalprograms for an automatic laundering machine.

As a particular example, the invention is embodied in a presettablesequential time control device in a home laundering machine having alaundering container defining a laundering zone therein, and providedwith operational mechanism for performing a washing, rinsing and dryingoperation on the fabrics or materials in the container. Variousoperational elements may be employed in achieving these functions. Inone form a container or tub contains a laundering water in which fabricsare to be laundered. An agitator oscillates in the water to agitate thefabrics and the washing water. At the end of the washing operation, thelaundering fluid is drained from the tub and the fabrics are rinsed bydirecting a rinse water into the tub. At the termination of the washingoperation and rinsing operations, water is extracted centrifugally fromthe fabrics, such as by spinning the container or an inner basket, whichmay be provided Within the container for that purpose.

The basic operations of washing, rinsing and drying may be accompaniedby refinements which improve the laundering operation, such ascontrolling the temperature of the wash water used, automatically addingsoap or detergents and performing difierent types of rinse operations.All of these operations may be performed automatically in an automaticlaundry machine wherein the functions are performed by one or moreoperating elements which are electrically controlled usually throughcontrol switches that are operated by cams driven by a timer motor. Thecontrol mechanism usually is manually started and proceeds automaticallyto complete a program of operation, and the operator need merely placethe clothes in the tub whereupon the machine automatically completes thewashing, rinsing and drying operations.

Difierent materials and different fabrics have different launderingcharacteristics and a material having a given laundering characteristicwill receive the best washing only when a given set of launderingoperations are performed. For example, a certain type of fabric will bebest washed in a water at a certain temperature best suited for removingsoils from that fabric, and laundering will be completed within acertain time. Continuing laundering after that time will merely createwear in the fabric. An optimum relationship between the washingoperation and the fabric exists for all of the functions of thelaundering operation including the soap or detergent used, the type andlength of rinsing performed, and the drying operation. Thus, for anoptimum washing performance, the individual operation elements of alaundering machine, which contribute to perform the functions ofwashing, rinsing and drying, must be operated in accordance with thefabric being washed.

A feature of the present invention is the provision of an automaticlaundering machine wherein the controls are selectively operable tochoose a program of machine operation wherein the individual operationalelements will operate to complete the functions of washing, rinsing anddrying, in accordance with the type of fabric to be laundered.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improvedtiming apparatus which makes it possible to achieve automation in a homelaundry machine and preselect a program of laundering operation inaccordance with the laundering characteristics of a fabric to be washed,or in accordance with the type of laundering operation desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism for ahome laundry machine wherein a plurality of programs of operation can bepreselected which are distinguished by the operation or non-operation ofcertain operational elements, by the time at which the operationalelements are actuated, and by the duration of time over which theyoperate. a

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic washingmachine capable of performing different programs of operation which aredetermined by presettable control means, and wherein the programsinclude the operations super wash, normal wash, wash and wear, blankets,synthetics and delicate fabrics.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a control systemfor an automatic laundering machine or the like, employing controlswitches for the individual operational elements, wherein the controlswitches are actuated by individual cam tracks divided into a pluralityof programs with the cams being presettable to select the program ofoperation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a timer control switchfor an automatic laundry machine or the like, wherein control switchesare actuated by rotating cams carried on a cam drum, and wherein thecams are rotated only a portion of the full revolution for a completeprogram of operation so that a plurality of complete programs areavailable for a full revolution of the cam drum,

Another object of the invention to provide an improved presettablesequential timer control switch which is capable of use for variouspurposes and which requires a minimum amount of installation space.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sequential time controlswitch with a rotating cam drum with improved manually operablepresetting means for the cam drum which can turn the cam drum in asingle direction only in a first position or in both directions in asecond position, 'and which is selectively operable to discontinueoperation of the timer motor during setting.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sequentialcontrol timer with an improved cam and switch relationship whichconserves space and enhances the operation of the control and greatlyimproves making adjustments between the switches and cams.

A further object of the invention is to provide a time control cam drumdriven by a ratchet drive with an improved means for disconnecting theratchet drive during presetting of the cam.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved time switchcontrol apparatus for providing a plurality of programs of operation foran automatic laun- 3 dry machine or the like, whereinv the operation.of. indivrdual elements can be easily changed for one or more programs.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent in the teachingof the principles of the invention in connection with the completedisclosure thereof and the illustration and description of the preferredembodiments thereof in the specification, claims and drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view shown somewhat in schematic form of anautomatic laundry machine of the type used in combination with theimproved time control mechanism;

FIGURE 2 is a front end view of a time control mechanism embodying theprinciples of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line IIIIII of FIGURE2;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of a time control mechanism; and,

FIGURE 5 is a chart illustrating the timer" performance and the durationof performance of the individual operational elements of the machine.

While the present invention is illustrated in the preferred embodimentof the drawings as described herein, it will be understood that theinventive features may be employed in other environments utilizing theirinherent advantages. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, an automatic laundrymachine is illustrated employing a timer mechanism 12 which isillustrated in detail in FIGURES 2 through 4. FIGURE 5 illustrates thevarious programs of operation in chart form with other pertinent datawhich is further illustrative of the advantages and features of theinvention.

The automatic laundry machine 10 is shown in FIG- URE 1 having acontainer or tub 14 defining a laundry zone 16 therein, which is filledwith a washing fluid, such as water. Within the tub 14 is a liner in theform of a basket 18, which contains the articles or fabrics to belaundered, and which is mounted on a centrally located vertical hub 20at its base for spinning the basket 18 at high speeds for thecentrifugal extraction of fluid during the drying function of themachine. The basket 18 may be perforated for the passage of waterthrough its walls, or if imperforate, has side walls which slantoutwardly so that the water may pass over the upper edge thereof intothe tube 14.

It will be understood that the particular laundering machine isdescribed as an example and the timer may be employed with other formshaving different types of containers, washing mechanisms and the like.Further, the timer may be employed in a combination or combo machinewherein a final drying with heated air is performed automatically at theend of the spin-dry function.

For performing the washing operation, an agitator 22 is centrallylocated within the basket 18 and is driven in oscillation by a shaft 24.The rotational and oscillational power for driving the basket 18 and theagitator 22 is derived from a gear transmission withinv a gear casing26. The gears are driven from a driven pulley 28 over which passes abelt 30 driven by a drive pulley 32, which is mounted on a drive shaftof a motor 34. The motor carries another drive pulley 36 on the driveshaft at the opposite end carrying a drive belt 38 which drives a drivenpulley 40 to operate a pump 42.

The pump illustrated is a dual level arrangement with an upper section44 to which is connected an outlet line 46 leading from the bottom ofthe tub 14. At the other side of the upper section 44 of' the pump is apump line 48 and the upper section 44 is dual-directional so as to pumpwater in either direction while the pump is driven constantly in thesame direction by a drive pulley 40.

At the end of a washing operation, the pump will be set by a control(not shown) to pump water from the outlet line 46 through the pump line48 through a suds saver line 50 to a suds saving chamber 52 in a laundrysink 54. During succeeding rinsing operations, the pump section 42 pumpsthe drain water into a drain line 56, and for this purpose a valve 58 iscontrolled to direct the water into either line 50 or line 56. The drainwater in line-56 enters a sink compartment 60 and flows out through adrain 62. For a succeeding washing operation, the pump section 44 iscontrolled to pump water in the opposite direction, and the sudsy wateris returned from the suds saving section 52 to the tub 14.

A lower section 64 of the pump 42 is devoted to re circulating thelaundering water for purposes of filtering. The pump section 64 has aninlet line 66 which leads from the tub outlet line 46. The pump section64 discharges to a filtering line 68 which leads through a filter 70 anddischarges at 72 into the tub.

Fresh water for performing the rinsing and washing operation is suppliedto the tub through an inlet nozzle 74 which is fed water from a controlmixing valve 76 connected to a hot water line 78 and a cold water line80.

Various other appendages may be used in connection with the laundrymachine for enhancing the operation, such as an automatic softenerdispenser or a detergent dispenser shown schematically at 81.

The aforedescribed operational elements are each oper-. ated at apredetermined time and for a predetermined length of time to complete awashing operation. The operating elements are controlled through thetime control switch 12 which is mounted on a control panel 82 of acabinet 84 which encloses the laundering machine. In accordance with thepresent invention, the time cycle control mechanism 12 is presettable toselect a program of operation for the machine which suits the type ofmaterial being Washed. The program is selected by presetting the timer12 with a manual control knob 86 which is exposed on the control panel82. The control timer 12 may be suitably connected to an indicatingmechanism which will show through a dial 88 the program which isselected and the time expired in the particular program during operationof the machine.

Individual operating elements of the machine are electrically operatedand their operation is controlled by the sequential timer control 12.For this purpose, a plurality of individual switches are provided whichare actuated by cams. In. FIGURE 2, switches are shown arranged in fourcircumferentially spaced banks 90, 92, 94 and 96. The switches, arrangedin the banks, are actuated by a cam drum 98', as shown in FIGURE 3. Thecam drum is rotatably driven by a timer motor 100 located within thehollow cam drum 98 and driving the cam drum through a drive mechanismshown generally at 102 in FIGURE 4. The cam drum 98 has an outer cam.surface. 104 which operates the switches and the camsurface is dividedinto a plurality of program lengths with. each program length actuatingthe switches to perform a full laundering operation. The cam drum ispresettable to selectively choose the operational program by apresetting means 106, as shown in FIGURE 3.

Turning to the more specific elements of the preferred embodiment, thecam drum 98 and switch banks, 90, 92, 94 and 96 are supported on a pairof parallel spaced plates 108 and 110, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The cam drum includes a plurality of individual cams such as 112. and113 separated by spacers such as 114, 116 and 118 which also provideguides for the switch operating followers 120 that ride against thecams. The cams and the separators are annular in shape so as to makeavailable the hollow space 121 within the cam drum wherein the timermotor 100 is housed. The spacers and cams have axially extending holes122 bored thcrethrough to receive axially extending connecting bolts124. The bolts extend through a hole in the front plate 126 of the camdrum and are threaded into an annular rear plate 128 of the drum tosecure the camsand spacers together to form a unitary cam drum 98.

The front cam plate 126 carries a bolt 130 at its axial center thatsupports a bearing sleeve 132 for journaling the front end of the camdrum in the plate 108. A nut 134 is threaded onto the bolt 130 to holdthe bearing and the spacer washers 136 and 138 in place.

The rear end of the cam drum is journaled onsupporting rollers 140 whichare carried on studs 142 secured to the plate 110 of the timer frame.Metal fasteners 141 are pressed onto the outer end portions of studs 142to maintain the supporting rollers 140 in alignment. The inner surfaceof the annular rear plate 128 of the cam drum rotatably rides on therollers 140.

The frame plates 108 and 110 are held in their fixed spaced position bycross bolts 144 and 146, FIGURES 2 and 4, which are provided withsuitable spacers between the plates to hold them in their relative axialpositions.

The switch banks 90, 92, 94 and 96 include flat plates 148, 150, 152 and154 which are formed of an insulating material so as to carry theswitches. The switches are mounted on each of the plates in the samemanner, and, therefore, the mounting of only one plate will bedescribed.

In the arrangement illustrated, twelve cams are shown to operate twelveindividual switches. It will be understood that varying numbers of camsand switches may be provided, and in accordance with the presentinvention, one cam is provided for each switch and the switch isreactuated in a different manner, in accordance with the operationalprogram through which the machine is operated. The operational programisperformed over a predetermined portion of a total rotation of the camdrum.

The switch supporting plates, such as plate 152, are attached at theirrear edge by ears 156 and 158 projecting outwardly from the rear frameplate 110 and bent inwardly to overlie the outer surface of the switchplate 152 in the manner shown in FIGURE 3. To permit the ears 156 and158 to project beyond the plate, the plate is provided with notches- 162and 164. These notches are wider than is necessary to permit passage ofthe ears 156 and 158 in order that the plate may be adjustedcircumferentially with respect to the cam drum 98.

The front end 164 of the plate 152 is secured to the front frame plate108 by bolts 166 and 168 threaded into threaded openings in an axiallyturned fiange'portion 170 of the front frame plate 108. The bolts passthrough elongated slots 172 and 174 in the switch plate to permit thecircumferential adjustment of the switch plates.

Thus, with the switches being provided in a plurality of banks arrangedcircumferentia'lly around the cam drum, the individual switch groups canbe adjusted with respect to the cam drum to a mean adjustment withoutnecessitating adjustment of the entire group of switches. The adjustmentis performed merely by loosening the bolts 166 and 168, and sliding theswitch plate in a circumferential direction and retightening the boltswhen the proper adjustment is reached.

The switches are mounted on the switch plates, as shown in FIGURES 2 and3. The switchassembly 175 which is one of the switch assemblies ofswitch plate 152 includes a movable switch arm 176, which is supportedby bolt 178 at its base. An electrically connecting terminal 180 isprovided for the attachment, such as by soldering, of electrical leadsleading to the operating element of the laundering machine which iscontrolled by the switch. The switch arm 176 is biased toward the camdrum 98 and carries a follower 120 which engages the surface of one ofthe cams to control the position of the switch contact 184 at the end ofthe switch arm 176. Depending on the surface contour of the cam, theswitch contact 184 will engage one of the fixed contacts 186 or 188.These contacts are provided with terminals 190 and 192 for theconnection of leads and, dependent on the position of the movable switcharm 176, the circuit 1 will be completed from the terminal 180 to eitherof the terminals 190 or 192.

- 175 and are part of the two other switch assemblies of the switchplate 152, both of which are similar to the switch assembly 175.Further, each of the switches mounted on the remaining boards 148,150and 154 is of a similar construction and, therefore, the descriptionof switch 175 will suffice for understanding the remaining switches.

Rotation of the cam drum 98 to cause operation of the switches, isachieved through a timer motor which preferably operates at a constantspeed. The timer m0- tor 100 contains a gear reduction within thehousing 196 which has an output shaft 198 to which is secured aninvolute cam 200. The involute cam 200 also carries a. notched cam 202,which controls the rinsing operation of the laundering machine in amanner which will be later described.

The involute cam 200 forms part of the drive train 102 for rotating thecam drum and its involute surface rocks a pawl arm 204. The pawl arm isshaped in the form of a bell-crank and is pivoted on a support pin 206.A lower arm of the pawl arm 204 carries a follower end 208 which ridesagainst the involute cam 200 to rock the pawl arm and give reciprocationto a pawl 210, which is pivotally supported on a pin 212 carried on theamt 214 of the pawl arm 204. In the rocking motion caused by theinvolute cam 200, the pawl arm 204 will move between the solid line anddotted line position shown in FIGURE 4, and will index the cam drum 98forward in stepwise fashion by the finger 216 at the end of the pawl 210engaging successive teeth 218 of the ratchet which is the outer portionof the cam plate 128.

As illustrated in FIGURES 3 and-4, the finger 216 at the end of the pawl210 will project through the opening 220 in the frame plate of thetimer, assembly to engage the teeth 218.

The pawl finger 216 will thus pass through the opening 222 in theshuttle plate 224, which functions todisengage the pawl. When theshuttle plate 224 is lifted, the surface 226 at the base of the opening222 will lift upwardly on the pawl finger 216 to disengage it from thepawl teeth 218. This permits free notation of the cam drum 98 in eitherdirection.

The shuttle plate 224 is slidably held by headed pins 230 and 232 whichproject through slots 234 and 236 in the shuttle plate. The shuttleplate is normally held in its lowermost position by shuttle spring 240,which is connected between an ear 242 on the shuttle plate and anopening in the upper end of the support plate 244.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the support plate 244 is offset along its edge 246to connect it by screws 248 and 250 to the rear frame plate 110. Anotherside 252 of the support plate 244 is connected to the pin 206 andprovides a moving space for the pawl 210 and space for the pawl spring254, which is connected between an opening 256 in the pawl and the pin206 to urge the pawl to engagement with the ratchet teeth 218.

The pawl moves forwardly to catch a new tooth 218 in the ratchet whenthe pawl arm 204 is pivoted by the involute cam, and pulls the cam drumforwardly by the action of the pawl arm spring 258. The pawl arm spring258 is connected between an ear 260 on the pawl arm and an ear 262projecting from the frame plate 110. I

The cam drum 98 is rotated to preset the cam position and select theprogram of operation by rotating the manually operable knob 86, FIGURES2 and 3. The knob is secured to a presetting shaft 264 which isrotatably supported at its front end in an opening 266 in the frontframe plate 108 and at its rear end 268 in an opening 270 in the supportplate 244. The rear end 268 is reduced in size and joins the mainportion of the shaft in a tapered cam surface 272 which is conicallyshaped to act in an upward direction in any rotational position of theshaft 264. The cam 272 engages the upper edge 274 of the slot 222 in theshuttle plate 224.

7 The presetting shaft 264 is axially movable between a first position,shown by the knob 86 in the Si01ld line position in FIGURE 3, and a.second position shown bythe dotted line position of the knob in FIGURE3. In the first position the cam drum 98 may be turned in one directiononly, which advances the cam drum to a succeeding program. Rotation ofthe cam drum is achieved by a pinion gear 276 secured to the presettingshaft 264 and in mesh with the teeth 278 in the outer peripheral edge ofthe front plate 126 of the cam drum. The pinion gear 276 is elongated sothat its teeth 277 will remain in mesh with the teeth 278 in both thefirst and second positions of the presettalble shaft 264.

When the shaft is pushed axially to the second position, the cam 272will raise the shuttle plate 224, thus lifting the pawl finger 216 outof engagement with the pawl teeth 218. This will free the cam drum 98and permit rotation in either direction to rotate or advance the camswith respect to their switches and select a program either in advance ofor following the program then in position to operate.

The presetting shaft 264 carries a switch operating block 265, whichengages the switch arm 26 7 to open the switch 269 against the spring271. This switch is in circuit with the timer motor 100 which willautomatically be stopped with all the electrical circuitry when theshaft is pushed to its second position.

The chart of FIGURE 5 illustrates the operation of the individualoperational elements for each of the programs of the cam drum. Asillustrated, the cams are divided to complete six programs for acomplete 360 of revolution. The individual cams, of course, arerotationally staggered so that each of the individual switches will beat the starting point of a chosen program relative to its operatingcamwhen the program begins.

It will also be seen, that the operational element will be actuated at atime relative to the beginning of the program and for a period ofoperational time determined by the cam. The same operational elementswill perform and will be actuated by the same switches for each program,but they will operate in accordance with the laundering characteristicof the fabric or material being washed, and this launderingcharacteristic is supplied to the machine by presetting the control tothe program which represents either the type of material being washed,or the type of program desired.

The cams may be arranged to provide a substantial number of programs,each of a different nature. However, if one of the programs is to bealtered, the time at which any one operational element is actuated orthe time period for which it is in any one or more programs can bechanged by merely removing the cam section for the element and replacingit with another cam section which obtains the performance desired. Thiswill change the operating performance of the particular operationalelement irrespective of the other elements and of the other programs.

In some instances, certain operational elements will perform duringcertain programs, but will remain inoperative during other programs. Forexample, with reference to FIGURE 5, it will be noted that theoperational element marked hot fill which supplies hot water to themachine, is operative only during the super wash and the normal programsof the machine. The other programs utilize wash water of a lowertemperature and the hot fill element, therefore, is not actuated.

It will also be noted that the total laundering period of the differentprograms vary in accordance with the program. Thus, the super washprogram is the longest and the wash and wear program is the shortest ofthe programs provided. The number of programs which are provided may bevaried in accordance with the types of materials or fabrics which areencountered by the machine so that a program is available for each typeof operation desired. More programs can be provided by reducing thespeed of the cam and shortening the length of the cam which rotates pastthe switches for a full program or also by enlarging the diameter of thecam drum.

The chart of FIGURE 5 shows the operational elements as they areassigned to the various switches with the cams for operating theswitches being numbered along the cam shaft. The switches are indicatedby the board number with the switches mounted on board number 1 beingassigned the first, the fifth, and the ninth cams along the cam drum.With the arrangement indicated, the switches are spaced so that switcheson the same board need not engage adjacent cams.

The spray rinse is applied in the laundry tub 14 in intermittent spraysor spurts. To accomplish thisefiect, the spray rinse cam 202 is providedto operate a spray rinse arm 280, FIG. 4, which is pivotally mounted ona support pin 282 on the frame plate 110. As the spray rinse cam 202'rotates, the spray rinse arm 280 will be pivotally oscillated and aswitch operating finger 284 on the arm 280 will alternately permit abiased switch aim 286 to move its contact 288 toward a fixed contact 291in order to close the circuit and electrically actuate the spray rinse.

The movable spray rinse switch arm 286 is mounted on the switch plate152. The switch arm is provided with a follower 290 which rides on a camcarried with the main drum. Thus, the position of the spring biasedswitch arm 286 is under the influence of both the spray rinse cam 202and the main cam which actuates the follower 290. The spray rinse cam202 rotates at a much higher speed to intermittently release the springarm, but the arm will be released only when also released by the maincam 290 which determines when the spray rinse period is to occur. Topermit the switch operating finger 284 to engage the spray rinse switcharm, a slot 292 is cut in the plate 110.

Thus, it will be seen that We have provided an improved automaticlaundry machine which provides for automation in performing launderingoperations, and which meets the objectives and advantages hereinbeforeset forth. The arrangement makes it possible for the operator toselectively choose the program of operation with a simple rotation of aselector knob, whereupon the machine will automatically complete thefull cycle of operation, in accordance with the program selected.

The time control switch for controlling the laundry machine is ofimproved construction and is arranged to require a small installationspace and be capable of installing in the limited space available on thecontrol panel for a laundry machine. Further, numerous operationalprograms are provided and an indefinite combination of operations of theoperational elements can be achieved without requiring considerableinstallation space or complicated elaborate control mechanism.

We have, in the drawings and specification, presented a detaileddisclosure of the preferred embodiment of our invention, but it is to beunderstood that we do not intend to limit the invention to the specificform disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications, changes andalternative constructions and methods falling within the scope of theprinciples taught by our invention.

We claim as our invention:

1. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having an axialrow of separate circumferentially extending cam tracks, said tracksdivided circumferentially into individual program arcs, a longitudinalrow of switches positioned to be in individual engagement with said camtracks so as to be actuated in a predetermined sequence and for apredetermined length of time with rotation of said cam through a programarc, a ratchet gear connected to the cam, a pawl positioned to drive theratchet gear in a forward direction and preventsing movement of theratchet gear in a reverse direction, drive means connected to the pawlfor indexing the cam,

a shuttle member movable in a path to disengage the pawl from theratchet, axially shiftable and manually rotatable presetting meansconnected to the cam for manually rotating the cam to preselect aprogram of operation through which the drive means will move the cam,and a shuttle engaging cam connected to the presetting means to move theshuttle upon axial shifting of said presenting means to cause the pawlto be disengaged from the ratchet gear.

2. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having aplurality of separate circumferentially extending cam tracks, saidtracks divided into individual program arcs, switches positioned to bein individual engagement with said cam tracks so as to be actuated in apredetermined sequence and for a predetermined length of time withrotation of said cam through a program arc, a ratchet gear connected tothe cam, a pawl positioned to drive the ratchet gear in a forwarddirection and preventing movement of the ratchet gear in a reversedirection, drive means connected to the pawl for indexing the cam, apresetting gear attached to the cam, a manually operable rotatable andaxially shiftable presetting shaft, a pinion gear mounted on the shaftand in mesh with said presetting gear, one of said gears having elongated teeth to remain in mesh with the other gear with axial shifting ofsaid shaft, a tapered cam on said shaft, and a member positioned to bemoved by said cam with axial shifting of said presetting shaft andconnected so that the pawl will be disengaged from the ratchet with saidshifting of said presetting shaft.

3. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having a row ofseparate axially spaced circumferentially extending cam tracks, saidtracks divided into individual program arcs, a longitudinal row ofswitches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracksso as to be actuated in a predetermined sequence and for a predeterminedlength of time with rotation of said cam through a program are, aratchet gear connected to the cam, a pawl positioned to drive theratchet gear in a forward direction and preventing movement of theratchet gear in a reverse direction, a pivotally mounted pawl armcarrying the pawl, a power driven ratchet-operating cam positioned torock the pawl arm and drive the ratchet gear, a presetting gear attachedto the cam, a manually rotatable and axially shiftable shaft geared tothe presetting gear for rotating the cam to a preset program positionthrough which the drive means will move the cam, means operable by axialmovement of said shaft to disengage said ratchet from said ratchet gearwhereby the cam may be rotated in either direction, an auxiliary switch,a follower member connected to operate said auxiliary switch, and anauxiliary cam connected to be driven with said ratchet operating cam.

4. A time cycle control switch in accordance with claim 3 wherein acommon spring means is connected between said pawl arm and said followermember urging them against their respective cams.

5. A switch controller comprising a housing, an electric motor in saidhousing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams and being journaledin said housing in surrounding disposition relative to said motor, amanually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaftsupported in said housing adjacent one side of said drum, means forminga rotating driving connection between said cam drum and said presettingshaft, a ratchet drive between said motor and said cam drum to rotatablydrive said cam drum in one direction, a shuttle plate on said housing,and a cone-shaped cam on said presetting shaft cooperating with saidshuttle plate, said shuttle plate operatively connected to said ratchetdrive to disengage the ratchet drive during presetting of said cam drumby operation of said presetting shaft.

6. A switch control comprising a housing, an electric motor in saidhousing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams and being journaledin said housing in surrounding disposition relative to said motor, amanually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaftsupported in said housing, means forming a rotating driving connectionbetween said cam drum and said presetting shaft, a ratchet drive betweensaid motor and said cam drum to rotatably drive said cam drum in onedirection, a cam on said presetting shaft, and means actuated by saidcam and operatively connected to said ratchet drive to disengage saidratchet drive during presetting of said cam drum by operation of saidpresetting shaft.

7. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said ratchet driveincluding a pawl arm and finger interconnecting said electric motor andsaid cam drum to step-index the cam drum angularly about its axis.

8. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said cam drum comprising aplurality of annular cam rings, with the outer surface of said ringsshaped to actuate followers in engagement with the rings, spacer ringsbetween each of the cam rings having an outer diameter greater than thering to provide guides for followers bearing against said individualrings, means for axially clamping said rings together, and a pluralityof switches arranged circumferentially around said rings and havingswitch operating followers in engagement with said rings to be actuatedthereby.

9. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said cam drum having a rowof separate axially spaced circumferentially extending cam tracks, saidtracks divided into individual program arcs.

10. A switch controller as defined in claim 9, and a longitudinal row ofswitches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracksfor actuation in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined lengthof time upon rotation of said cam drum through a program arc.

11. A timer assembly for an automatic laundry machine or the likecomprising a plurality of control switches adapted to be connected tocontrol individual operating elements of the laundry machine to completethe functions of washing, rinsing and drying, and a switch controllerfor regulating said switches comprising a housing, an electric motor insaid housing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams operativelyassociated with said switches and being journaled in said housing insurrounding disposition relative to said motor, a manually operablerotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaft supported in saidhousing, means forming a rotating driving connection between said camdrum and said presetting shaft, a ratchet drive between said motor andsaid cam drum to rotatab-ly drive said cam drum in one direction, a camon said presetting shaft, and means actuated by said cam and operativelyconnected to said ratchet drive to disengage said ratchet drive duringpresetting of said cam drum by operation of said presetting shaft.

12. A switch controller as defined in claim 5, said plural cams eachproviding a circumferentially extending cam track, said housingincluding plural banks of switches spaced circumferentially around saidcam drum, and each switch having a follower arm engaging a correspondingcam track of a cam, said cam drum having means forming teeth thereon andsaid presetting shaft carrying a gear meshing with said teeth to formsaid rotating driving connection to preset said cam drum relative tosaid switches.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.22,375 Chamberlin et al. Sept. 14, 1943 2,045,251 Raber June 23, 19362,055,031 Hutchings Sept. 22, 1936 2,436,714 De Moss Feb. 24, 19482,537,929 Daley et a1. Jan. 9, 1951 2,603,725 Dietrich July 15, 1952(Other references on following page) 11 UNITED STATES PATENTS IllianNov. 25, Frerer et a1. Oct. 20, Constantine Mar. 1, Mead Mar. 6,Whi-tlock Apr. 17, Aust Aug. 7,

Harris Jan. 28,

12 Witte July 22, 1958 Lewis Jan. 20, 1959 Lorenz Feb. 24, 1959 KullDec. 29, 1959 Constantine May 31, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS Great BritainMar. 17, 1932

